Customs Gives Nov. 30 Deadline To Importers Without Tin

The Nigeria Customs Services (NCS) on Tuesday said that it would stop doing business with importers who failed to acquire the new Taxpayers Identification Number (TIN) by Nov. 30.

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) introduced TIN to replace Automated System of Customs Data (ASYCUDA) number for import activities.

Mr Chris Osunkwo, the Public Relations Officer of the Tin-Can Island Port, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that “TIN will help bring about improved service delivery to stakeholders.’’

“It will also make clearing of goods faster for customs and the importer,’’ he said.

Osunkwo, however, said that many importers had complied by registering with the FIRS and had obtained the numbers.

“We are happy that many of the importers have complied and we have started using it,’’ he said.

Osunkwo warned dubious importers to stay away from the Tin-Can Port, saying: “Tin–Can has no hiding place for dubious importers.’’

He said that the Area Controller, Mr Tunji Aremu would not allow any fraudulent importer to do business in the port.

“We have zero tolerance for sharp practices. So, if the recalcitrant ones still decide to import through our port, then the law of the land will take its course,’’ Osunkwo said.

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